Uncategorized January 15, 2019

Desirable End-Unit Townhomes In East Freehold, NJ

Townhouse living at its best….Poets Corner. With low HOA fees, Homes in Poets Corner is the next best thing to a detached home. Poets Corner is a development located in the East Freehold area in Monmouth County. It is centrally located and near all. Travelling approximately 25 minutes east you find our awesome beaches and boardwalks and approximately 25 minutes west enjoy the attractions of Six Flags Great Adventure. If travelling north towards NYC: no problem. You are about an hour card ride and 1 ½ hours by bus. The NJ Transit Bus runs along the Route 9 Corridor or if you prefer the train, the station in Matawan is nearby. Also, about 1 hour north of Atlantic City and 1 hour 15 minute from Philadelphia, you have so many places within your reach. With so much shopping, dining and recreation nearby, you never have to go far. Poets Corner is located with access to Routes 9, 18, 33, 34, 537, 524,I195, Garden State Parkway and the NJ Turnpike

Poets Corner is a Fee Simple development, where the homeowner is responsible for their home’s exterior, as well as the interior, hence the low monthly HOA (Home Owner Association) compared with many other developments. You can add landscaping if you wish and fence in your yard, but most have those installed already. This fee includes amenities, such as a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and a path around the development, where you can stroll, skate or cycle while enjoying the grounds. There is even a pond with a fountain if you are looking for a water view. Also included in the fee is garbage and recycling collection and snow removal. There are also scheduled bulk pick-ups throughout the year. This development is pet friendly too, just in case you were wondering.

Because this development is Fee Simple, buyers approved with FHA loans are welcome, in addition to other types of financing. Poets Corner consists of 378 end-unit townhomes. With the exception of 1 block, all the homes are located on Cul-De-Sacs. They are 2 level townhomes giving each homeowner 2-3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, a living room, dining room and eat-in-kitchen. Some models also have an additional den on the 1st floor. All homes offer private yards and additional common ground to enjoy, as well.  There are 7 different models ranging in sizes from 1500-1900 square feet. The models are contemporary in style offering vaulted ceilings and some have skylights and fireplaces. The best part is this development offers direct entry garages, too with a private driveway: a bonus considered by many.

Children living here attend Joseph J. Elementary School (Grades K-5) and Dwight D. Eisenhower (Grades 6-8). For those in high school, there is the Freehold Regional High School District. In addition to attending a high school zoned for your residency, you child has the option to apply to one of the many Academy or Leaning Centers concentrating in specific areas of study offered in all the high schools in the district. The district is comprised of schools from Colts Neck, Freehold Boro, Freehold Townhsip, Howell, Marlboro, and Manalapan. There are also other Vocational programs offered in additional schools

If you are looking for making a move to East Freehold and Poets Corner has peaked your interest, call me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.

Housing Market January 14, 2019

Interest Rates Fell…Time Is Ticking?

It’s time to get off the Fence...Now is a great time to buy a house. You could sit and wait forever watching the rates week by week for the perfect time. With the rececent decrease after quick rising rates this year, now is the time get moving. Rates are expectd to rise again this year. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / http://NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to guide you through the homebuying process and where to begin.

Mortgage rates for 30, 15, ARM. Full information at http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/

© REALTOR® Magazine

Mortgage rates posted more drops this week, lowering the borrowing costs of potential home shoppers and refinancers. Rates are now at a nine-month low, which helped boost mortgage applications more than 20 percent this week.

“Lower mortgage rates combined with continued income growth and lower energy prices are all positive indicators for consumers that should lead to a firming of home sales,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Jan. 10:

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.45 percent, with an average 0.5 point, falling from last week’s 4.51 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.99 percent.
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.89 percent, with an average 0.4 point, dropping from last week’s 3.99 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.44 percent.
  • 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.83 percent, with an average 0.3 point, dropping from last week’s 3.98 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.46 percent.

Source: Freddie Mac

Community News January 1, 2019

Spring Has Sprung

Out With The Old And In With The New…Happy New Year!…Wishing all a year filled with Health, Happiness and Success. After the holiday dinners are done, schools reopen or vacations are over this is the time for Spring Cleaning and to get all in order. The Spring Housing Market has begun!! If you are thinking about selling, this is the time to you should also get your home in order for the market. Many will be out soon searching for a new home, and an in fact, some buyers have already been on their way…so why should your house be overlooked? Your home could be the one for those searching. Let’s chat to go over details to address to get your home sale ready. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / http://NJHomesbyRoslyn.com. I am ready to help you on your way to finding your next perfect home, too.

Buying a Home December 28, 2018

Breaking The Bank For A Down Payment

Want to buy a home, but anxious about a down payment??….You might be in better shape than you think. There are so many buyer incentives to move the houseing market. Knowing where to look for these opportunities and what to ask is the key. Having a Realtor guide you to your answers can make all the difference. Here’s a quick read about your options…then call me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to help you find your way.

Consider these thoughts:

  1. Most people put less than 20% down; according to NAR, in 2016 first time home buyers averaged 6% down, while others averaged 14%.
  2. There are a number of special programs which you may qualify for with as little as 3% down.
  3. Grants are available which you do not have to repay as long as you live in the house of a certain amount of time.
  4. Some state and local governments offer second mortgages for down payment with low or zero interest rates.
  5. There are special programs which first time homebuyers can qualify for, which require specific criteria.

Help is always available, here are some resources:

  1. downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible
  2. www.hud.gov/states
  3. myhome.freddiemac.com
Living In Your Home December 27, 2018

Baby….It’s Cold Outside!!

It’s nippy out there, so beware…Most will agree with the statement, “don’t fix it until it’s broken?” Not a wise way to approach major appliances, such as your HVAC. Just when the temperatures drop to record lows, that is when your furnace will decide to quit. There are many things you can do to prolong the use of these systems. Click on the following link to make sure your toes stay toasty warm at home this winter…

Keeping Warm This Winter

Buying a Home December 23, 2018

How Much Does It All Cost?

Is this your situation…You saved for many months and now have found your perfect home, but still not sure if you can afford it? There are many parts to the puzzle of buying a home. In addition to having money for the house, there are costs involved to actually make it come to fruition. These costs are sometimes out of pocket before the closing or added to your Closing Statement. Speaking to a Realtor at the onset of your search, can help you keep your emotions in check by having us guiding you on where more of your funds are needed. These costs will be quoted to you prior to the closing, so that you are prepared to bring them to the closing table. These fees include costs for your attorney if using one (sometimes title companies are used and we can discuss that later), title search and insurance, survey, loan application if not paying cash, recording fees, inspections, and others. There are also ways that you can incorporate the seller assisting with these costs per your contract. If you would like to know what these costs can add up to and what else is involved…let’s chat! Contact me at  732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com. I would be happy to assist and make sure you a well-informed buyer. 

Buying a Home December 23, 2018

What Not to Do When Buying a Home

Closing day is near, but you may not get the house?…Many buyers have been in this position, either by the fault of their own doing, or when unfortunately were not warned. When purchasing a home, there is a process that this completed by the lender so you can, hopefully qualify for a loan. It all starts with a loan pre-approval, whereby your credit is checked, proof of assets are requested and your employment is verified. Also, besides having your credit looked into, there are other debts that you may have which may be looked into further, too. If you say you have funds for a deposit, they should be available. You should not be taking out a loan or running up your credit cards to get it. This will be used as additional debt against your income. In addition to income, the lender requires the history of where other funds may have come from if deposited in your bank accounts. These funds could have been from another purchaser that may not necessarily on the loan application with you or may be considered as a gift from a family member. There are rules regarding these situations, so always keep a paper trail. After verification, your file will now go through an under-writing process. This is when all information that has been submitted with your loan application is checked and re-checked to ensure you are a good candidate for the loan. Now the fun part begins…wrong! This is not the time to start purchasing furniture, buy another car, or run up your credit. Why you ask? Right before the closing date, your file will go back into under-writing for a review. If there had been changes which negatively impact the prior information given and cannot be reversed…guess what? No Loan..No Home! Don’t be fooled by the “0% interest with no payments for a year.” That entire additional debt will still be held against you. Lastly, make sure your stay employed at your current job. You don’t want to switch employers before the closing, as a history of employment is still required. It is also just as important to verify all requirements with your lender; Each may differ from the next. Let’s chat, so that we can discuss the lending process and what needs to be considered when purchasing a home. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.  If all is in check, you will be unpacking in no time…and yes… you can then order that new furniture!!

Selling A Home December 23, 2018

Don’t Get Caught Up In Your Net Numbers

You are finally ready to list your home and think you have it all figured outbut wait…what happened to the profit you thought you would be receiving at the closing? Well…just as there are costs involved to purchase a home, there are costs to sell, as well. It is very important that you discuss your NET with a Realtor, so that you know where you stand. You don’t want to find out that you don’t have as much as you think. Let me simplify this for you. To begin, you will need a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). We use data of the comparable closed homes in your market and make adjustments in price for different criteria to arrive at a range of value for the subject home (your home). After this is determinded, now we can go over the costs involved which will be deducted from the approximate sold price. These costs include commissions, attorney fees, your loan payoff, recording fees, etc…. Depening on the township in which you reside, you may as the seller be responsible to obtain a CCO (Continued Certificate of Occupancy) and Fire/Smoke Certifications. If this is the case, it is also best to be prepared about any repairs or updates needed to obtain these. As your Realtor it is my job to make you you understand the bottom line, so you can move forward without surprises towards a smooth closing. Let’s Chat!! Call me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to discuss further and start the process of finding your new home.

Selling A Home December 23, 2018

Waiting To Sell Doesn’t Make Sense

Ready to Sell?…Why Wait?…Now is a great time to move forward! …The Spring Market is the time when all feel it is best to sell their homes. However, not necessarily true. Yes, the weather is nicer and the trees are blooming, but it’s also the time for those “just looking”.

Here are 5 great reasons why the holidays is a great time to sell your home…

1…Homes show better when decorated.

2…Relocation buyers are out there now.

3….Buyers looking for homes during the holidays, are serious buyer and ready to purchase now.

4…The supply of listings increases after the holidays; less competition now.

5… Buyers are out every season. The desire for home ownership does not end during the holidays.

Let’s chat about how I can market your home during the holidays. Contact me today…732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.

Living In Your Home December 23, 2018

Wait For It…Wait For It…

Announcing the color of 2019...According to Realtor Magazine by the National Association of Realtors, Pantone, the company known for their top color predictions, has disclosed their #1 color for 2019….Living Coral. Well there you have it! Just when all has been converted to a more neutral palette of grays and whites, a splash of color is the new trend, and what better color, than the warm, but vibrant coral. You can use this to brighten walls in your homes or just add a touch of color. So during the cold months when we are all stuck inside awaiting the first signs of a hopefully warm spring, you can change up your home with a splash of color. It has been known that paint is the cheapest and easiest way to update your home and give you a new sense of newness. If you will be looking to sell your home, there is no time like the present. If you would like other ideas or suggestions to get your home sale ready, contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.